Cycling

Cycling

Croccolo Set to Join LMC Cycling Program

Apr 18, 2016

BANNER ELK, N.C. --- Simona Croccolo has signed with the Lees-McRae cycling program, announced head coach Tim Hall Monday afternoon.

“Simona is a vibrant and smart young lady who brings maturity and experience to the team. She has achieved some good results in downhill in a short period, and it’s a result of her skill and fearless attitude,” praised Hall. “Simona’s background includes competitive skiing, which has obviously helped her feel comfortable on steep mountain terrain. Most importantly, Simona has an infectious positive attitude that rubs off on everyone. We are thrilled she will be a Bobcat the next two seasons as she completes her nursing degree.”

Croccolo will focus on gravity events – downhill and dual slalom.

“I chose Lees-McRae because it allows me to get my bachelors in nursing while pursuing my love for mountain bike racing. I am excited to move to a part of the country where I am able to mountain bike year round to help me become a stronger rider,” said Croccolo. “While at Lees-McRae I hope to place top five in the downhill race at Nationals and finish constantly strong throughout the regular season.”

The incoming junior is no stranger to success after placing first in the Vittoria East Coast Super DH Championships in 2015.

During the 2015 campaign, Croccolo claimed first in Cat 1 as well as notching the fastest women’s times (including pro) at Vittoria ESC New England DH at Sugarbush, Vt.

“Simona is our sixth woman to commit to the Bobcats for 2016-2017, and we have a few other offers we are waiting to hear back from. Currently, we will have a balanced roster of 12 women, so to add a few more skilled riders will certainly boost our depth for years to come,” said Hall. “Add this to the fact we are adding a women team coach and it is a recipe for special things to happen in the near future.”

Croccolo won the Eastern States Cup Super-Championships in 2014.

She will attend LMC for the nursing program and intends to work as a registered nurse after graduation.

Reigning from Warren, Vt., Croccolo is the daughter of Patty Croccolo.